Winter Driving Advice
Snow and ice are not very nice. A little time can make winter driving easier
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Winter can be a busy time for everybody. Whether working, at school or on holiday, there's so much to remember.
But whatever occupies your time this winter, don't get caught out when driving in severe weather.
Don't just drive, prepare.
Putting aside ten minutes to plan your journey before you set off could make all the difference. Check your planned route where you can find up-to-date traffic information. You should also check your vehicle is ready for the drive by checking the condition of your tyres as well as making sure your windscreen and lights are clean.
Regularly servicing and checking your vehicle is in good running order before setting out, will reduce your chances of breaking down on the road. It's worth making these checks regularly - and particularly before a long journey:
- Check your tow eye is fitted or in the vehicle (most are screw in ones now and you may need to refer to your hand book for its location)
- Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator
- Make sure your lights are clean and check the bulbs
- Ensure your windscreen is clean
- Replace the battery if it's not reliable
- Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them if the tread has reached the legal minimum.
As you pack your gifts, for a long winter journey, you should pack your emergency kit in your car. This simple array of everyday household items could be your salvation if you get caught out by adverse weather conditions on the journey. You only need to pack it once at the beginning of the season leaving you with one less thing to worry about this winter.
Your emergency kit should include:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries
- Warm clothes and a blanket
- Boots
- First aid kit
- Jump leads
- Mobile phone charger
- Food and a warm drink in a vacuum flask
- A shovel
- Reflective warning sign
- Road atlas
- Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
- Any personal medication too.
Tips for Driving in the Snow
Content disclaimer
Every effort is taken to ensure that the information published on this website is accurate. This website is provided for information and McAllisters Recovery Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury that arises from the use of this website.
For a copy of government recommendations from the Highway Code click here
YOU WILL TAKE UP TO 10 TIMES LONGER TO BRAKE IN ICE AND SNOW - DRIVE TO THE CONDITIONS!!
Snow-covered roads can often conceal all manner of potholes and road debris that could damage your tyres, make sure your spare is roadworthy and inflated.
Drive slowly and try to use the busier roads as the weight of traffic will tend to clear the surface.
Accelerate and brake gently, using as higher gear as possible to avoid unnecessary wheelspin.
If the car starts to slide, steer into the skid and keep your feet off the brake and throttle until the vehicle is back under control.
If you do get stuck, don’t panic and plant the accelerator. Straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Place sand bags or old carpet in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.
Offer gentle acceleration in a higher gear (2nd or 3rd) to move off and try not to stop again until you reach firmer ground.
If you car is automatic, it will normally have a manual selection option (normally represented by numbers usually 2 or 3 that you can push the auto selector to) - you need to use this when driving in these conditions so get used to it before you need to.
Drive with good foward observation, plan for both ascending and descending hills before you get to the point of no return.
To climb hills, momentum is key - not acceleration. Get enough of a run up to crest the hill before you begin to climb it and try to do so without changing gears once on the hill if possible be aware that the vehicle in front of you may stop and slide backwards into you.
To descend hills, select a low gear, preferably first and allow the vehicle to descend on engine tick over. Don't press the clutch as this will disengage your engine from braking you as you descend. Some new 4x4's have electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) activate this before you start. Avoid using your brakes as this will cause you to skid, steer to avoid any obstacles rather than trying to brake for them.
Tips for Driving in the Ice
Snow is one thing, but the ice that follows is more difficult to spot and offers more dangerous driving conditions.
Black ice – transparent ice that looks black because it is above asphalt – is prevalent on bridges, overpasses, less busy roads and shaded areas.
When following another car in icy conditions, it’s best to create a 7-8 second gap between you and the car in front. And yes, that even applies to 4x4 drivers – they may find it much easier to gain traction, but they’ll have exactly the same grip issues when it comes to stopping.
Thanks to both the Highways Agency and Which? for the basis of this Winter Driving tips and advice page.
Useful Links for Winter Driving
Local Radio Station - www.964eagle.co.uk
Traffic Information on main roads - www.trafficengland.com
Highways Agency Website - www.highways.gov.uk
Up to date forecast from MetOffice - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html
Surrey County Council Website - www.surrey.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council Website - www.hants.gov.uk
